What is the moral teaching regarding DNR orders for an
elderly person, with Parkinsons and other issues,
suffering from cardiac arrest?

Answer by Judie Brown on 8/2/2013:

Carolyn

The subject of DNR orders is risky business. On its face, there is probably nothing
wrong with such an order if the specific intentions of the person requesting the order
are clear and IF the family and treating physicians or other medically trained people
are not interested in premature death for the patient or in taking a vital organ that
might cause death.

In other words, a DNR can be a slippery slope. In the specific case that you ask
about, I would have to know what the patient wishes with some specificity before I
could ask an expert about it.